Should I go to interview?

LegacyUser

This is far from how serious other PIs are, but I'm just looking for opinions.

I've just finished a degree and have been applying for jobs all summer. I applied for one (Company A) in June and interviews were supposed to be held in late July supposedly. I never heard back, and when I emailed about it, they said, oh the interviews won't be until September. Meanwhile, the company is advertising every single month. The job isn't something I'd love, but it's paid, which is unusual in my field at the beginning.

In the meantime, I've had a meeting/job interview with a crowd I'd LOVE to work with (Company . They've basically told me they'll give me a job, and we're meeting next week to finalise it. However, payment hasn't been mentioned. They are a private company and definitely have the funds to pay me, but I'd still be happy to work for them unpaid.

I've also been offered another very flexible position that will be amazing for my CV, but it's entirely voluntary (Company C). Ideally, I'd like to work with companies B and C.

Just after my meeting with company B (2 weeks ago), company A rang me and asked me to come to an interview, scheduled for tomorrow. They said they'd send me an email with all the details.

I never got an email, so I emailed them today. They replied a little while ago claiming I gave them the wrong email address and re-sent the email. To my horror, the email said there'll be a written exam section of the interview. I hadn't heard anything about an exam, and I have NO idea what the topic is. I replied and asked for clarification but they're gone home for the day now. I also checked my application and my email address on it was correct - the mistake was on their part.

So I have guaranteed work with Company C and almost guaranteed work with Company B. But Company A is the only one with guaranteed money, if I got a job. The conditions aren't great and it's far from my ideal job.

I'm feeling really wary about company A. The interviews are in a hotel, which says to me that they're interviewing dozens of people. It's a field with high turnover and difficult work, so the constant advertising makes me think people leave pretty regularly. They got my email address wrong and blamed me. And now there's an exam that I know nothing about.

I'm completely torn - my heart says not to go, that I've got work lined up even if there's no money to begin with. The work with Company B and C will definitely help me get paid work, and I'm fairly sure Company B will pay me something. But my head is saying that I'd be a fool not to go to the interview and at least give it a shot.

The other thing is, I'm leaving the country briefly tomorrow and I hadn't factored in time for an exam when booking my flights. It could leave under fierce time pressure to catch my flight, depending on when and how long it is.

Should I go with my gut and cancel the interview, or stick with it?

judgefudge

I would cancel the interview to be honest. Company A sound like Messers who wouldn't have any consideration for you even if you had the job. I was going to say go for the experience but if it'll interfere with your other plans then I'd definitely cancel.

You have 2 other opportunities with 2 great other companies. Don't worry about company A

Santa Cruz

I agree with judgefudge. Forget about A. They are time wasters and can't be serious about recruiting. No more than auctioneers some job agencies are advertising jobs continuously for some companies with no real chance of the job coming to fruition.
As a graduate this is all part of experience in the business world. You have two offers which seem good. You should have the confidence to raise the salary issue before making a decision between the two.

Howard Juneau

You've really answered your own question OP, I think all you're looking for is affirmation from here.
Best forget about company A.